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1. Beginner’s course starts Tuesday 1st May

Come try Aikido! If you have never tried it before you are invited to come along this week to the join the May Beginner’s course. Starting this Tuesday 1st, the 4-week course is run every Tuesday and Thursday through May at our Nathan dojo. You will have your own mat space and your own instructor. Your first grading to 7th kyu will be on Thursday night 31st May.

Pay online before you arrive http://www.griffithaikido.com.au/payments/ or just turn up at Nathan dojo and pay at the door ($70 working adults / $50 students). Please arrive at 6.30pm. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. Please remove shoes and jewellery before stepping onto the mat.

2. It’s Golden Week in Japan

The end of April through to around May 5th is called “Golden Week” in Japan. There are many Japanese national holidays during this period and most offices close for between 7 to 10 days, depending on the calendar.

Golden week is a time when people take holidays and travel locally and abroad. It is no surprise that airports and tourist attractions in Japan become very crowded over this period.

The first national holiday during Golden Week is April 29. This day is now called Showa Day (showa-no-hi). It honors the birthday of the Showa Emperor Hirohito, the reigning Emperor from 1926 to 1989. The purpose of the holiday is to encourage public reflection on the turbulent 63 years of Hirohito’s reign.

The second holiday is Constitution Memorial Day (kenpou-kinen-bi) on May 3. It is the anniversary of the new Japanese constitution which was put into effect on May 3, 1947.

The following day, May 4, is called Greenery Day (midori no hi) during which is a day for showing appreciation for nature. In practice however, it is seen as just another day that expands the Japanese Golden Week holiday period.

The last national holiday during Golden Week is Children’s Day (kodomo no hi) on May 5th. This holiday was originally called Boys Day or Festival (tango no Sekku). Families with boys would celebrate by flying carp streamers (koi nobori) and May dolls (gogatsu ningyo).

Now all children celebrate this holiday with their parents and enjoy special foods such as rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and mochi wrapped in oak leaves. Oak and bamboo symbolize longevity and strength.

Girls Day (Hinamatsuri) is celebrated on March 3 and is not a national holiday, although there are many that feel it should be.

3. Murray Loader Sensei, Brisbane seminar 19th & 20th May

Once again we have been fortunate to have Murray Loader Sensei in Brisbane next month. Sensei will be holding a weekend seminar at Griffith Aikido Nathan dojo on 19th & 20th May. This seminar proved to be very popular last, and this year will be no different.

The seminar will consist of three (3) classes:

Two 2-hour Saturday classes

One 3-hour Sunday morning class

The seminar will commence after the Aikikids class, around 10.30am. Session times and seminar content will be published soon! Visitors, near and far, are welcome!! Places are limited to 40 people so act now to avoid missing out. Saturday lunch will be provided by Griffith Aikido for all attendees.

Griffith Aikido members, please secure your place by paying in advance at class. Visitors please secure your place in advance by emailing us at info@griffithaikido.com.au and pay at the door on the day.